2022_10_07 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- 2 Corinthians 11-12
This week in our study of ‘The Deeply Formed Life’ by Rich Villodas, we have been looking internally and examining the motives behind our sin. One way we can begin to do that is modeled for us straight from scripture:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23-24
This prayer is an invitation for God to show us our need for repentance, and from there, God can begin to redeem our patterns of sin.
Similarly, our reading in 2 Corinthians 12 this week has Paul calling out the Corinthians on their sin. Paul is planning to visit the Corinthians, and he fears that when he arrives, he will find them unrepentant:
“For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” 2 Corinthians 12:20
Paul has preached unity among the body throughout his letters, but the sins listed in 2 Corinthians 12:20 would serve to tear apart the Corinthians, not build them up.
The difference between the passages from Corinthians and Psalms is the willingness to look at sin. The Corinthians seem quite accustomed to living with their patterns of sin (picture a couch in the middle of the room that everyone walks around, but nobody bothers to move!) Conversely, the author of Psalm 139 wants to become aware of any sin that is hidden within him. So many sins are insidious, and need God to shine His light on them for us to see their full effect.
Take some time now (or when you can) to ask God for the light to see yourself as God sees you. The following practice of the Examen can help guide your prayer:
In the last week….
Honesty– Have I been honest in the representation of myself to others and before God? Have I not spoken truthfully for fear of others thinking less of me?
Humility– Have I promoted myself? Been self-justifying? Overly self-conscious or self-pitying?
Love– Have I put others before myself in my thoughts, words, and actions? Have I thought of others without thinking of my own personal gain?
Purity– Have my thoughts or words been jealous, impure, critical, or irritable? Touchy or distrustful?
Bring any awareness of sin in confession to God and thank Him for His mercy and love. His grace is enough.
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead